With over 50 different countries, Europe offers a lot of variety and also a wide range of budgets. Many of the most expensive destinations on earth are in Europe, and some surprisingly affordable ones are clustered in its southeastern region.
Vienna is a justifiably popular and important city, but the Austrian Alps around Salzburg should not be ignored.
With a Dutch-speaking north and a French-speaking south, Belgium is an interesting mix of well-established cultures.
This former part of Yugoslavia is a bit off the beaten path, but worth a look if you can include it.
Not on many European itineraries, Bulgaria is a bit hard to reach, but the capital is charming and inexpensive.
Croatia has some wonderful scenery and a pleasant capital, but it's the beaches and thousand-year-old cities along them that bring most visitors here.
Prague is a very worthwhile inclusion on most itineraries into eastern Europe. There is a lot more to see though, and every other place in the country is noticeably cheaper.
Like all of Scandinavia, Denmark is expensive and also impressive. Copenhagen is worth a visit if you can manage it.
Famous for fast internet, Estonia is not easy to reach on most itineraries.
Finland doesn't attract many foreign visitors and it's quite expensive as well.
France was the cultural capital of the world not all that long ago and it's still packed with amazing cities, monuments, wine regions, and beaches. It arguably has the world's best food as well.
Germany is famously efficient, organized, and surprisingly lovely. Berlin is a must-see even if the rest of the country doesn't sound like your thing.
Athens is one of the world's finest ancient historic cities, though the Greek Islands are also worth a look for those with the time during the warmer months.
Budapest is another justifiably popular stop in eastern Europe, and the country remains a great bargain.
With some of the world's most varied and interesting scenery, Iceland had a tourism boom in recent years. It's still one to put on your list.
With gorgeous green hills dotted with castles and lovely villages, Ireland is most magical when you are outside of the main cities.
Perhaps the single best European country for first-time visitors, Italy lives up to the hype and should be one of your first stops.
Latvia is remote and not easy to reach for most tourists, but it's a worthwhile stop for those in the area.
There is no better stop between Poland and Latvia for tourists touring the region.
This tiny and forgotten country is definitely worth a look if it's on your route.
This small island just south of Sicily has mild winters even if sandy beaches are a rarity
One of the world's smallest countries is also one of the richest. Worth a visit for a few photos of the harbor alone.
The 16th-century architecture that dominates all of the Netherlands' larger cities is stunning.
With its stunning fjords lining the west coast, Norway has Scandinavia's best scenery by far.
Plan a trip to Krakow and you'll probably be anxious to see much more of Poland.
Portugal has continental Europe's best year-round climate and some wonderful cities to visit to go along with its famous beaches.
Romania is another somewhat remote country that still struggles to attract tourists in spite of its affordability.
St. Petersburg is a popular cruise port, but the rest of the country has yet to catch on among leisure travelers.
This landlocked country used to be the heart of Yugoslavia and now it's hard to reach for most people.
The less-famous half of Czechoslovakia lacks notable sights, although the capital is pleasant enough and quite affordable.
Spain dominates the 'sunshine holiday' tourism market among Europeans, but its cities are very worthwhile for everyone at any time of year.
Sweden seems like paradise if you visit during its short summer months, and it seems pretty great the rest of the year as well.
Switzerland is famously expensive and very well run. Its cities are a bit bland so it's best to focus on the insane Alpine scenery.
Turkey can be confusing as things keep changing. Istanbul is a must-see and there are many wonderful beach areas in addition to Cappadocia.
Even more remote than the others on this list, Ukraine doesn't draw many random tourists.
Most first-time visitors to the UK just stop in London. The rest of the island is underrated and surprisingly green and beautiful.